SW Herb (AKA Paradise)

I am extremely happy to report that I have stumbled onto an amazing store and luckily enough it happens to be located just down the street from my office. Convenience is always the beginning of temptation! In lue of my newly realized passion and soon to be education for Holistic Health I have been on the search for a local store that supplied bulk herbs and essential oils. I had seen the flier for SW Herb once last year on the bulletin board of a Starbucks coffee and thought it interesting, but did not pay much heed to it, not being all too aware of my interest in homeopathy. Having seen the same flyer just last month for the shop I decided once I had the time to venture around I should take a peek into the store and see what they had to offer. Last Friday was just such a day and much to my delight I had found exactly what I was looking for.

Upon entering the craftsman styled house (with a large add-on in the back for where seminars are held) I was greeted by a woman named Angela who promptly offered me some tea. She apologized to me that the tea had long since gone cold and I reassured her that that was one of the many pleasures of tea, it tasting good whether hot or cold on most brews. Angela quickly agreed and handed me my mug. I sipped at the tea and read that it was Feminine Essence tea, a home made mixture of the herbalist who owns the shop. Angela asked if I had been in before and I stated that I hadn't, but that by the looks of it I was likely right at home. Angela explained to me the different areas of the store and where I could find the pre-made mixtures of loose leaf tea that were sold in bulk, the bulk herbs, the scales and bags for sorting and labeling herbs, the kitchen full of tinctures, the bees wax and pollen, and then books of reference (some to purchase and some for research while in the store). Angela explained that the herbs were self serve and helped me pick out a few to start my collection. I talked about my schooling and interests in natural health and remedies and she talked about how the store could progress my interests from mere thoughts to practice. I was so excited! Angela was very helpful and knowledgeable, as she is an apprentice of the herbalist and attends her classes regularly.

Angela set me up with some Motherswort and gave me a recipe to make my own tincture so that I could carry it with me in my purse in a little 2 oz. amber bottle with dropper for when I had a fit of anxiety or felt my heart murmuring as it has a tendency to do. I really look forward to making the tincture and plan to start on Tuesday. I can use 100 proof vodka or vegetable glycerin... I have yet to decide which I will use- naturally price will likely be a determinant, however, I hope that I can use the vegetable glycerin. I picked up some lavender too, because every home should have a steady supply of the subtle scented herb. Angela also told me that the following day, Saturday, they were having an afternoon sale where all the bulk herbs were 20% off. I was sold. Come back tomorrow, noted.

Saturday I returned after work and the herbalist caught me and asked "You're back already!?" I explained that I couldn't pass up the sale and that I was ready to get my hands dirty with some herbs. She laughed and continued to drink her tea. I walked up to the herb wall and tried to remember which medicinal herbs were recommended from my book, "Well Being- Rejuvenating Recipes for Body and Soul", by Barbara Close. I had written them down in a notebook, but, unfortunately, had left them at home. I tried my best to recall some of the names, and while some stood out the most, others had left my mind completely. I picked up some Valerian Root (which smells a mixture of wet dog and fresh doodoo, but works wonders as a sleep aide and muscle relaxer), Licorice Root, Rose Buds/Petals, Nettle Leaves, Lemon Balm leaves, Scullcap, Dandelion leaves, and Red Clover Blossoms. I measured out the amounts I wanted and put them in zip lock baggies to take home. Having since been home I had to transfer the pungent herbs into mason jars to lock in the scent for my Beau's sake who immediately smelt the Valerian and asked who died. 

I can't wait to go back and continue to stock up on my supply of herbs and oils... perhaps next Friday when I can spend the day in the shop and really dive in- ingredients and shopping lists in hand this time. 

Happy shopping,
~Birdie  

Catching Up

I admit it has been some time since I last wrote and it is shameful indeed. As an update, my plants survived my vacation and were well taken care of by my Beau's mother in my absence. I am sad to report that I have discovered quite the bug colony rising in my tomato plants and will be taking care of that ASAP! The great news is, my tomato plants have shot up like crazy and I need to find some way to help them grow upward and not outward. I will keep you updated on any new additions to the garden. Everything has been pretty mild on the garden front, some growing, some drying out and renewing... it's all the circle of life. I love my little herb garden and it is growing well, the Lemon Basil has really taken off and the catnip is a favorite of the neighbor's cat, Biscuit. He rubs his face in it and then lays contentedly beside it in the sunshine. Life must be good when one is a fat cat. The foxglove sprouted another bit of flowers and the heliotrope is on again off again on good health. We will keep trying. My Ivy is growing and I'm getting excited as I can now see it from inside the house growing up the room divider.

My Beau's mother gifted me some terracotta window box planters and I am excited to plant some of the extras I have and perhaps get more... as is always a wonderful temptation.

Overall...there isn't too much of excitement happening in the porch garden, although I am amazed every morning by the new tomatoes starting to peep out through their flowers. I hope some start to turn red soon. The pepper plants are getting so tall that I need to replace their support sticks with something taller. Progress is wonderful!

Happy progression,
~Birdie